Hand Surgery
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Hand Surgery

Hand Surgery

ABS diplomates seeking certification in hand surgery will complete the application and registration process through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. 

Hand Surgery

Intro

Surgeons are able to certify in hand surgery via the ABPS

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) has an enhanced process that facilitates the initial and continuous certification processes of certification in hand surgery.  The ABPS Continuous Certification program assists diplomates in maintaining a high level of knowledge, judgment, and skills in hand surgery.

In 2024, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved the ABS to move from a co-sponsoring board to a qualifying board for certification in hand surgery. This means that the ABPS will manage all hand surgery applications, reviews, assessments and provision of certificates, for ABS diplomates.

Initial Certification

Diplomates will apply directly through the ABPS for initial certification in hand surgery

ABS diplomates seeking certification in hand surgery will complete the application and registration process through the ABPS. Those who achieve initial certification in hand surgery will become ABPS diplomates for hand surgery certification only, and will maintain that certification through the ABPS.

How do I begin the initial certification process with the ABPS for hand surgery?
Diplomates seeking hand surgery certification should contact the ABPS to gain access to the examination application.
Contact ABPS
Will I still be certified by the ABS?
Diplomates will be certified by the ABPS in hand surgery, but may continue to maintain their general surgery certification or other ABS specialty certification(s) as long as they continue to participate and meet all requirements of the ABS Continuous Certification Program. It is the diplomate’s choice whether to maintain said certifications or allow them to expire.

Continuing Certification

Diplomates will no longer maintain their hand surgery certificate through the ABS

As of Jan. 1, 2025, ABS diplomates certified in hand surgery will move to the ABPS to maintain their certification.

How will I transition to ABPS for hand surgery certification?
Diplomates who hold a hand surgery certificate will be able to register for access to the ABPS Continuous Certification program via ABPS’s physician portal. The ABPS will contact all ABS diplomates with a current hand surgery certification regarding portal registration in January 2025. The ABPS Continuous Certification program requires an annual online assessment of 30-questions focused on hand surgery. An ABPS tracking page of all requirements will be presented to hand surgery diplomates
Will I still be certified by the ABS?
Diplomates will be certified by the ABPS for certification in hand surgery, but may continue to maintain their general surgery certification or other ABS specialty certification(s) as long as they continue to participate and meet all requirements of the ABS Continuous Certification Program. It is the diplomate’s choice whether to maintain said certifications or allow them to expire.
How much will it cost to maintain my hand surgery certification with ABPS?
Newly transitioned hand surgery diplomates will become ABPS diplomates for hand surgery, and will therefore follow ABPS’s fee schedule. Please contact the ABPS for information about their fees for maintaining certification
Contact ABPS
Will I need to participate in continuing certification programs with both boards if I also choose to maintain a certification with my original board?
Yes. To maintain your ABS primary certification, diplomates must participate in the ABS Continuous Certification Program and complete all ongoing requirements when due. The ABPS does have a reciprocity policy to help streamline continuing certification requirements. ABPS hand surgery diplomates can use CME and practice improvement participation to meet both ABPS Continuous Certification Program requirements and ABS Continuous Certification Program requirements if the surgeon chooses to continue to be certified by both boards. The ABPS will email all pertinent details to diplomates who want to maintain their hand surgery certificate. Diplomates should check their email inbox regularly to stay informed by ABPS. Diplomates may also email the ABPS or call 215-587-9322 for more information.
Email ABPS

Note: Because the ABS is no longer offering hand surgery as an ABS specialty and hand surgery certificates are issued by the ABPS, diplomates’ certification status for hand surgery will no longer appear on the ABS website or verification of credentials. To access the verification of credentials tool for ABPS, please visit the ABPS website or see the ABMS website www.certificationmatters.org. The ABPS website will be updated with diplomate certification information by January 2025.

Contact

ABPS is available to assist diplomates who have questions or need assistance with hand surgery enrollment, fees, or other hand surgery-related matters.

Email ABPS